Well-Heeled: Shoes with Personality

Everybody has shoes – but what do they say about the person that wears them. From sneakerheads to haute couture fanatics, people all over the world have had a fascination with collecting these utilitarian-turned highly desirable objects. Well-Heeled invites you to explore the personal stories, special moments and celebrated events told through the diverse tastes of three Aotearoa New Zealand foot-wear devotees.

Lisa Reihana is known for her boundary-pushing multi-media contemporary art practice. A lifelong lover of fashion, her shoe collection reflects her deep appreciation for design. It includes covetable luxury brand names like Rick Owens and Maison Margiela, alongside unique conceptual pieces by Zaha Hadid and United Nude. Included in this exhibition are two pairs of shoes personally gifted to her by celebrated shoe designer Christian Louboutin whose famous red soles have become a celebrity staple.

As the curator behind Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art, the 2020 landmark exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery, Nigel Borell helped redefine how Māori art is understood and celebrated in Aotearoa. Beyond the gallery, Borell is also passionate about his footwear and is drawn to sneakers that balance colour, comfort and making a statement. Featured in this exhibition are a pair of bright green and pink Nike high-tops bought on the day Auckland went into its longest COVID-19 lockdown in 2021.

As Te Ātiawa Deputy Chair and a Chief Officer for Wellington City Council, Karepa Wall’s collection of over 250 pairs of shoes is a striking expression of how to make a statement in the boardroom and on the marae. Featuring everything from sequins and studs to fish-skin leather and horsehair; each pair is chosen for its ability to match one of his equally impressive suits. One of his earliest acquisitions in this exhibition are a pair of MaherX imitation snakeskin shoes with kōwhaiwhai detail purchased to match a purple tuxedo and top hat for the Māori Language Awards.

^{Christian Louboutin, Degratissimo Alta 130 VV, Collection of Lisa Reihana}